“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
— Mark Twain
Anger is a huge impediment to all that giving can give us. I wrote a bit about it the other day.
Of course, that advice is all well and good but it only does any good if it’s followed. Especially by this author.
Case in point. A few nights ago, one of my loving children was up at 2am being loud. Upon waking, I informed the offender of the gravity of the offense. The guilty party readily agreed to go to bed earlier and be quiet.
Then last night at 2am the offender was again being loud. This awoken parent was not happy. After informing the offender of the gravity of a 2nd offense, the author went back to bed, doing his Incredible Hulk impersonation.
After 5 minutes, the dawning realization occurred that the acid burns the vessel. Unable to completely pat down the hackles on his neck, he got out of bed and did the only sensible thing.
He cleaned his garage.
After several hours, the spouse of the author came down and gave him a hug. No longer angry, the blogger realized he had not only talked himself out of his anger, he had channeled it into something better.
As 2012 approaches, I hope that you can channel those moments of anger into something positive and that your resolutions give back to you, your family, your neighbors, your community and your world.
Enjoy the video. I made it almost exactly two years ago after a similar cleaning.
Happy New Year!
Cleaned a garage. I’m sure it helped somebody. Sadly, it needs a lot more help.
Give Our Time 
wow BRAVO, channel your anger I am impressed. You speak as if you are an officer of sorts…”the offender” LOL…Happy 2012 Great blog
Lol! Thanks Jackie. Nope, not an officer. Just a dad whose trying hard. 🙂
Have a great New Year!!
I don’t often get angry anymore, but when I’m upset, I also clean. Learned that or inherited it from my mother who got it from her mother. It’s a grand outlet for the acid! Happy New Year Eric!
And a happy and prosperous new year to you too, Natalie!
It’s funny you mention channeling your anger into something constructive. I’ve been trying to do just that by applying the principle of learning to breathe deeply at that moment of flash anger, walking a way from the situation if necessary, and channeling that bad energy into something else that’s useful til my mind finds rest to deal with situations more calmly. Not easy and I’m a prime of example of inconsistency which is good that you remind me of this in your last blog of the year to keep trying. It’s been great reading your blog Eric! Both Jen and I have enjoyed your inspirational writing and commitment. =) Happy New Year!
Thank you, Deron! It was a treat to meet both you and Jen last summer as you got started on your “year of exploration.” What a great idea! I hope Denver has been good to you.
Take care, and hopefully we’ll meet again someday.